 SECTION C OTHER MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS (C24-

31)
CONTENTS
C24. Relationships in the Parish
C25. Relationships between Clergy
C26. Relationships in a Deanery
C27. The Pastoral Care of the Clergy and “Listening Ears”
C28. Marriage Difficulties and Bishop’s Visitors
C29. The Devotional Life
C30. Spiritual Direction and ‘One to One’ Guiding
C31. Occasional Preachers

 C24. RELATIONSHIPS IN THE PARISH.

Canon C26 (of the manner of life of ministers) refers to the way of life expected of clergy whilst
Canon C22 (of Archdeacons) refers in subsection 4 to particular areas in which parishes and their
clergy need to maintain good relationships. In addition there are particular Measures passed by the
General Synod designed to deal with situations where good practice is not being pursued. Clergy
need to develop good working practices in the exercise of their duty in a parish. The lack of a clear
statement of these responsibilities and the way in which they are to be exercised lays a heavy burden
on all clergy. The common courtesies of life, the readiness to respond to cases of pastoral need, and
the building of good and sensible patterns of working and sharing between clergy and laity are of the
highest importance. Where potential difficulties begin to arise or where there is any possibility of a
pastoral misunderstanding occurring, the Bishop (or Archdeacon) will always be available to offer
advice and counsel. Alternatively there is the availability of persons nominated within the diocese, or
chosen by individual clergy, such as a Spiritual Director, or, particularly in matters of stress,
‘listening ears’ (see Section C27).

 C25. RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CLERGY.

It is for all clergy to seek to work harmoniously and with integrity towards colleagues in
neighbouring parishes. Particular attention needs to be given to situations where neighbouring
incumbents have markedly different customs in the making of arrangements for the occasional
services. It is greatly to be desired that all clergy respect the practice and integrity of their
colleagues. Where matters of particular stress arise it is wise to consult either the Rural Dean or the
Archdeacon.

 C26. RELATIONSHIPS IN A DEANERY.

The Bishop places the highest significance on all parochial clergy attending Chapter Meetings and
Deanery Synods. These are important opportunities for sharing in the understanding of the church’s
mission as well as in the planning and outworking of the life of the whole diocese. Similarly the
importance of having good relationships with the ministers and churches of other denominations calls
for determined efforts to foster a better ecumenical understanding.

 C27. THE PASTORAL CARE OF THE CLERGY AND ‘LISTENING

EARS’.
Clergy and ordinands, and their spouses and children, are as vulnerable to pain, anxiety, loneliness,
depression or any of the other common ills and afflictions as anyone else. Isolation is a commonly
felt experience, not least in view of their special calling and working environment. In this context
most clergy thank God for intimate friends and close relatives who offer support and understanding.
 C28. MARRIAGE DIFFICULTIES AND BISHOP’S VISITORS.
The diocese tries to make provision to help clergy wives or husbands in cases where their marriage
breaks down. At present there are two Bishop’s Visitors who are available to any clergy family - the
Minister and/or spouse - during a period of marital stress. The Visitors are available to offer
assistance and advice. This is particularly important if there is the possibility of a divorce taking
place. In this case they are available to offer confidential advice on matters of finance and housing.

 C29. THE DEVOTIONAL LIFE.

There should be an adequate provision for the development and sustenance of a disciplined and
informed use of prayer as a foundation to all ministry. This would include regular use of the Daily
Offices or a similar routine of daily prayer, and in the case of a parish staff, shared together by all.
The time free for annual retreat or a period of Christian renewal should be in addition to holidays.

 C30. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AND ‘ONE TO ONE’ GUIDING.

 C30.1 The Concept.

Spiritual Direction (for which other titles are sometimes used) is essentially concerned with the idea
of ‘journeying with’ another person, or ‘sitting down with’ another person seeking the Holy Spirit
as one’s guide. Patrick Purnell describes Spiritual Direction as ‘A way in which Christians help each
other on their pilgrim journey to the fullness of the Kingdom of God. It is a service which one
pilgrim offers a fellow pilgrim. Both the Spiritual Director and the one who seeks direction are
journeying: both are searching for the living God. ’ Although there are overlaps between counselling
and Spiritual Direction, they are not the same thing. Spiritual Direction is not about problem
solving, nor helping people to fit in with society, but about the relationship of a person with God and
may involve a prophetic note. Spiritual Direction may be summarised as ‘taking seriously our
pilgrimage in this world as a child of God or as a friend of Jesus’.

 C30.2 The Value of a ‘Soul Friend’.

The frequent experience of Christian people is that in their spiritual life it is possible to be uncertain
about the way in which the Holy Spirit is leading them. In this, their Christian experience is not
dissimilar to that of other people who may decide to find alternative forms of help such as
counselling or in some cases by seeking psychiatric advice. Because it is often helpful to be able to
talk through our lives with another person, Spiritual Direction offers support through someone who
is able to listen, and who can offer their gifts and skills of insight.

 C30.3. Spiritual Directors

are men and women who have shown aptitude for this kind of work and who are praying people
committed to the Christian life. Each has gifts of discernment together with listening skills; many
have been on Spiritual Directors’ courses.

 C30.4 Further Information

For further information please contact the Diocesan Director of Ordinands or the Diocesan
Spirituality Adviser.

 C31. OCCASIONAL PREACHERS.

The approval of the PCC should be sought when inviting preachers who do not hold the Bishop’s
License or Permission to Officiate. If this is to be on a regular basis then the Bishop must also give
permission. (See also Appendix 12.)